Zara, a subsidiary of the world's largest retailer Inditex, has filed a complaint against the Los Angeles-based fashion label Thilikó, LLC, accusing it of copyright infringement, false advertising, and deceptive trade practises under New York state law. Zara claims that the brand lies about the origin and source of its clothing and accessories.
Swati Bhat
Courtesy: Inditex media room
On January 4, the group filed a lawsuit in federal court in New York, accusing Thilikó of passing off its products as its own. Thilikó is accused of purchasing Zara products, removing the labels, replacing them with their own, and selling them for significantly higher prices.
The marketing and labels give the impression that the products are designed and manufactured by Thilikó before being sold via its own e-commerce website and other retailers.
Thilikó is also accused of misusing copyrighted photos published on Zara's website, in violation of the website's policy prohibiting the use and alteration of materials without permission.
Zara has previously been accused of stealing products from luxury and high-end brands. Nonetheless, Thilikó positions itself as a socially responsible and committed brand that provides sustainable clothing, which Zara calls false.
Zara is now seeking monetary damages as well as injunctive relief to prevent Thilikó from stealing products and images. The defendants' conduct, according to the group, is ongoing and "undoubtedly" includes additional copyright infringements that have not yet been disclosed.
However, it is also possible that the brand obtains the goods from third-party manufacturers who copy Zara items without informing the brand.
